Dark Knight Strikes Again, the - Vol 01

I never thought that a sequel could live up to the original, but this book truly does so. Frank Miller is a genius, but more importantly, he is something greater than a mere genius- he is a man with a moral conscience. There are damn few of those left. Mr. Miller brings in a theme here that he addresses in his Sin City books- namely, that the rich and powerful will not hesitate to hold hostages in order to gain the obedience of good men. You see, a sociopath doesn't need superpowers- he only needs to threaten harm to innocents if you move against him. This just doesn't happen to the likes of Superman, Captain Marvel, and Wonder Woman, as in this story. It happens everyday on capitol hill, city hall, and corporate boardrooms. Believe me, I know. I look forward to seeing how the Dark Knight and the other heroes solve this problem- hopefully it is a strategy that can also be applied to the real world....

I'll try not to give anything away at this point, But this book is terrific, and immediately satisfying. It also ends on a note that couldnt be better. It gives us something we know we've wanted to see, but at the same time makes you question if it's the best thing or not.What I will say is that we see, or see reference to, the Flash, the Atom, Green Lantern, Bats, Green Arrow, and Superman of course, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. Jimmy Olsen and James Gordon also appear. We see some Superman Villains this time, and the whole thing looks very promising. Like I said, I'm not sure I should be happy about the payoff in this one, but I am... Buy it, Read it, love it. If it is possible that you hated the Dark Knight Returns, You probably won't like this either. It continues the feel (taking place 3 years later) perfectly. I have faith that we won't be disappointed in the second installment when it's out.

A good beginning to the sequel to the classic 1986 story, "The Dark Knight Returns." Instead of the decrepit, decaying United States featured of the original, we have a bright utopia...but a paradise that comes at a cost. Under the shiny veneer lurks controlling individuals that are slowly destroying civil liberties. Superman is still a government agent, though weaker than before in body and (perhaps) mind. Jimmy Olson is campaigning for the truth, for the reality beneath the lies and deceit. And the heroes of old are curiously absent...Into this, after three years of waiting and planning, comes the Batman. His shock troops--gang members from the original story, led by former Robin--now Catgirl--Carrie Kelly--wreak havoc on various government institutions; in doing so, Batman draws the attention of Superman.The look and feel of the original is present here, with Miller's usual blend of sharp dialogue, dynamic action, and touches of social commentary. His rough, scratchy artwork gives the book a seedy edge, suggesting that underneath the pretty and sensationalistic images (such as News in the Nude) there's turmoil lurking. There are echoes of "Blade Runner" here, in the supersaturation of the populace with media images and manipulative advertisements, plus a few cyberpunk elements. Lynn Varley's color palette--such an asset here and in the original--has been enhanced by some computerized colorization effects. So far, this is an exciting and entertaining follow-up; my only complaint is that the pacing feels a little rushed. Otherwise, it's great. Recommended to fans of the original, and those who like Miller's more visceral works, like "Sin City." See also Miller's "Man Without Fear" and the classic graphic novels "Watchmen" and Kingdom Come."

Great Story. Frank Miller made Batman's world just that more darker. The USA is a freedomless state. Everything in the goverment is classified. Freedom of Speech is illegal. News is done in the nude. Everything is wrong with this country. But Batman will set things Straight!Great story by Frank Miller - the best Writer in comics today. Only problem with this book is the art. The art it's self is good, but the special effects of color and light they throw in are horrible. Still the story makes up for itCharacterization of Carrie, the new Catgirl (Former Robin) is great. She takes a prominant role in the story. Only thing wrong with this is that Batman himself isn't shown until the very end.

It has been a long wait but well worth it.Miller and Varley deliver(again). The first installment of the story revisits the gritty future world of Batman. It is well crafted and the artwork is superb. It's been touted as a sequel to the Dark Knight Returns but it is surprisingly a fresh and fluid read. I eagerly await the completed series.